Processing Hardware (computer): Upgrading my present desktop computer to a laptop. Several local photographer friends have gone the way of using a laptop to do all their adjustments...

georgeretired Loc: Manitoba Canada

Upgrading my present desktop computer to a laptop. Several local photographer friends have gone the way of using a laptop to do all their adjustments and manipulations to their RAW photos. My question to UGG members that may have recently up graded, especially to a lap top, what features do you feel most important in the laptop and is there any make/model that is best suited to photographers. Advice much appreciated.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

I don't like viruses or virus protection software.

I own a MacBook Pro. It's expensive but problem free.
Get as much memory as you can.

georgeretired Loc: Manitoba Canada

All my software in PC so I may stick with that however the Apple products are awesome. Agree, Memory is very important, but RAM, Graphics and Hard Drive. thanks for the feedback.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

georgeretired wrote:

All my software in PC so I may stick with that however the Apple products are awesome. Agree, Memory is very important, but RAM, Graphics and Hard Drive. thanks for the feedback.

I use an HP, get as much RAM as possible and largest HD avail, plus EXTernal drive. I use a PC, with Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes' AntiMalware and have had NO problems.

EstherP

georgeretired wrote:

Upgrading my present desktop computer to a laptop. Several local photographer friends have gone the way of using a laptop to do all their adjustments and manipulations to their RAW photos. My question to UGG members that may have recently up graded, especially to a lap top, what features do you feel most important in the laptop and is there any make/model that is best suited to photographers. Advice much appreciated.

AS
s much ram as you can afford.
Good size hard drive, even two, maybe 750gb - 1tb each, plus external for backup.
Make sure your screen can be calibrated.
Fast video card.
That's what comes to mind first, if I think of more later, I'll post.
EstherP

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I considered an Apple Pro Retna, but didn't want to part with that much money. I found a ASUS marketed at "gamers" that had similar specs, including a Blu-Ray burner and was half the price.

It is a ASUS "Republic of Gamers" G75VW-DS72 with an Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 750GB 7200 RPM HDD, nVIDIA Graphics card, 17.3" HD 1920 x 1080 Display, Blu-ray Player and Burner, 4 USB 3.0 Ports (for external backup drives) and a SD Card Reader.

I have yet to play a game on it, but it is speedy with photo and video editing using Elements and Lightroom.

georgeretired Loc: Manitoba Canada

EstherP wrote:

AS
s much ram as you can afford.
Good size hard drive, even two, maybe 750gb - 1tb each, plus external for backup.
Make sure your screen can be calibrated.
Fast video card.
That's what comes to mind first, if I think of more later, I'll post.
EstherP

Esther....quite true..."more ram" than most sales persons will quote you, or even know exists.

The Saint KK4GO Loc: Florida

georgeretired wrote:

Upgrading my present desktop computer to a laptop. Several local photographer friends have gone the way of using a laptop to do all their adjustments and manipulations to their RAW photos. My question to UGG members that may have recently up graded, especially to a lap top, what features do you feel most important in the laptop and is there any make/model that is best suited to photographers. Advice much appreciated.

Buy a Mac Book Pro with as much memory as you can afford, and be done with it!

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Avoid Win8 !

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

EstherP wrote:

AS much ram as you can afford. Good size hard drive, even two, maybe 750gb - 1tb each, plus external for backup. Make sure your screen can be calibrated. Fast video card. That's what comes to mind first, if I think of more later, I'll post. EstherP

EstherP is a reader and a thinker and never a stinker. :thumbup:
I would add the following:
1. Drive Switch for powering drives independently. **
2. Drive for photo work only and one for internet only (no viruses if no net on photo drive.)
3. Backup for that Photo drive switch off and alternate drives every couple of weeks,, good backup (clone) program makes big difference should there be a failure.
4. Desk top units allow for upgrades rather than replacements. Windows if preferred because of program availability and ability to self hardware upgrade stepwise.

** 4 BAY HDD Power Switch for 3.5"Bay HDD IDE/SATA [HD-PW4101] $30 E-BAY
From Hong Kong

POWER SWITCH FITS DVD DRIVE BAY OR 3.5" FLOPPY DRIVE BAY

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

To be honest, I tried the "upgrade to a laptop" thing. You will never get the screen to look right consistantly, if the angle changes a bit, the whole thing looks different. I still use the laptop at the receptions for photobooth type stuff, but for critical adjustments, you really need a desktop with a large calibrated screen.

davidcaley Loc: Utah

bkyser wrote:

To be honest, I tried the "upgrade to a laptop" thing. You will never get the screen to look right consistantly, if the angle changes a bit, the whole thing looks different. I still use the laptop at the receptions for photobooth type stuff, but for critical adjustments, you really need a desktop with a large calibrated screen.

I use 13 in MacBook Pro 8GB RAM 750 GB hard drive and run 30in Apple Cinema Screen running Photoshop CC and Lightroom 5.

Bob55 Loc: Valhalla NY

georgeretired wrote:

Upgrading my present desktop computer to a laptop. Several local photographer friends have gone the way of using a laptop to do all their adjustments and manipulations to their RAW photos. My question to UGG members that may have recently up graded, especially to a lap top, what features do you feel most important in the laptop and is there any make/model that is best suited to photographers. Advice much appreciated.

I read the responses to your question. One thing not mentioned is that Apple has by far the best support group for computer questions. As I need lots of help and hand holding their Apple Care plan is the best. For $99 per year you get all the support you need, including one on one with a technician if needed. My advice is to make the jump to Apple. You won't be sorry.

llindstrand Loc: Seattle Metro

georgeretired wrote:

Upgrading my present desktop computer to a laptop. Several local photographer friends have gone the way of using a laptop to do all their adjustments and manipulations to their RAW photos. My question to UGG members that may have recently up graded, especially to a lap top, what features do you feel most important in the laptop and is there any make/model that is best suited to photographers. Advice much appreciated.

It would depend on how much editing you do. I use a laptop on vacation, but at home a desktop with a 27" screen. I do a lot of editing of large images and the laptop won't handle it. Also the screen is not as good as the desktop. The laptop is also slower. Personally I would not give up either one.
Swede

rebride

You might want to check laptops with IPS screen. Not many around but I know Vizio and Hp make one.
Get it with SSD or hybrid SSD/HDD. Really speeds things up.